"Few of today’s popular musicians are interested in creating work that says something other than 'buy me.' But Chicago hip-hopper Common bucks that trend with thoughtful songs on love, sexual abuse, and politics. The depth of Common’s music stems from his being a Renaissance man. He’s done public service announcements to encourage HIV testing, saying, 'This disease doesn’t just affect a single race or sexual orientation.' "

Make sure you check out the lyrics to "Between Me, You & Liberation", where Common sings about a childhood friend who comes out as gay, and, confronting the homophobia expressed by friends and family.

Many of Common's earlier albums included standard anti-gay lyrics but now says he is done "disrespecting homosexuality." Common, who also fronted an advertising campaign for the Gap, appeared on Oprah and pledged to stop using the n-word. The name may be "Common", but. the rapper's music and message is anything but common. Bravo.

Comments

It will get better. Too many HipHop artists have family members, co-workers in the recording industry, other people in the arts they've come to admire who are gay. If you love or admire somebody it becomes more difficult to preach hate and violence against them.